Vietnam highly valued in Russia’s Look East policy

(VOVworld) – Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev will pay an official visit to Vietnam from April 5 to 7, set against the background of both countries are celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Bilateral relations between Vietnam and Russia were extended to comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012.

Professor Vladimir Mazyrin, director of the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, told VOV’s correspondent in Moscow that Medvedev’s visit is intended to maintain reliable and regular dialogues and exchanges between the two countries’ leaders.

It also aims to boost the construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant project and the establishment of a free-trade zone between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union.

According to Mazyrin, Russia is reinforcing its Look East policy in which it values the importance of cooperation with Vietnam, especially economic areas.

Russia considers Vietnam as a gateway by which to enter the entire markets of ASEAN and East Asia.

Mazyrin expressed his belief that the traditional relations and cooperative achievements so far will offer favorable conditions for both to further development cooperation.